Quick answer
In your first three months in Cyprus, secure a rental contract, register your residence with the Migration Department (EU citizens must apply within four months of arrival), get a tax identification number through the Tax For All portal, obtain a social insurance number if you work, then register with GESY and a personal doctor. A bank account and utilities in your name usually follow once you have a residence document and an address.
- EU citizens staying longer than three months must apply for a registration certificate (MEU1) within four months of entry.
- UK nationals who arrived after 2020 and other non-EU nationals need a residence permit in the right category, such as a visitor (pink slip), employment or digital nomad permit.
- Tax numbers (TIC/TIN) are now issued only online through the Tax For All portal.
- GESY registration requires the right residence and insurance status in official records, plus a personal doctor.
- Most steps depend on the one before, so start with an address and residence registration.
Moving to Cyprus involves a chain of registrations, and most of them depend on the one before. This checklist puts them in a practical order for your first three months, with what to expect at each step.
Who is this checklist for?
It is for anyone settling in the Republic of Cyprus for more than a few months: EU citizens, UK nationals and other non-EU nationals, whether you are employed, self-employed, retired or working remotely. The steps are similar for everyone, but residence rules differ by nationality, so check your category first in our guide to residency permits.
What should you do in the first two weeks?
1. Secure an address
Almost every office will ask for proof of address. Sign a written rental contract (or keep your purchase documents) and keep several copies. If you are still house-hunting, our guide to renting in Cyprus covers contracts and deposits.
2. Book your residence appointment
- EU/EEA citizens: apply for a registration certificate (MEU1, the "yellow slip") if you will stay more than three months. The application must be made within four months of entry. You will usually need your passport or ID card, photos and evidence of your reason for staying, such as an employment contract, proof of self-employment, health insurance and sufficient resources, or enrolment as a student.
- UK nationals: if you were living in Cyprus before the end of 2020, you are covered by the Withdrawal Agreement. If you arrived later, you are treated as a non-EU national.
- Other non-EU nationals: you need a permit in the category that fits you, such as a visitor permit (the "pink slip") for financially independent people, an employment permit, or a digital nomad permit. Some categories must be applied for before you arrive.
Appointments can take weeks to come up, so book early. Since 6 July 2026, some residence permit renewals for non-EU nationals can be filed online, although biometrics are still taken in person.
What should you do in the first month?
3. Get a tax identification number (TIC/TIN)
Since January 2024, individuals register with the national tax registry online only, through the Tax Department's Tax For All portal. You create an account, submit the registration request and receive your number once it is approved. Your employer, bank and landlord may all ask for it.
Under the tax reform in force from 2026, all tax residents aged 25 and over must file an annual tax return, so it pays to get set up early.
4. Get a social insurance number (if you work)
- Employees: your employer must notify Social Insurance Services before you start, through the ERGANI system. Make sure you receive a social insurance number and that your residence document number is on your record.
- Self-employed: register at your District Social Insurance Office with the self-employed registration form and a copy of your ID, passport or residence document. The number is usually issued within one to two weeks.
5. Open a bank account
Banks carry out detailed identity and source-of-funds checks, so expect to provide your passport, proof of address, tax number, proof of income and, often, your residence document. If you are legally resident in the EU, you have a right to a basic payment account; the Central Bank of Cyprus oversees this. See our real-world guide to finances.
What should you do by day 90?
6. Register with GESY and choose a personal doctor
You register through the GESY Beneficiary Portal, or a personal doctor can do it for you. You must be eligible: for example as an employee or self-employed person, a permanent resident, a family member of a beneficiary, or someone insured in another EU state (S1 holders). A rental contract alone is not enough; your status must appear in official records. Then choose a personal doctor and sign the mutual acceptance form at your first visit. Read our full GESY guide.
7. Put utilities and internet in your name
Electricity, water and internet providers all need ID and a rental contract or title deed. Deposits differ for tenants and owners, and for EU and non-EU citizens. See setting up electricity and water and home internet and mobile phones.
Quick checklist
| Step | Where | Main documents |
|---|---|---|
| Residence registration | Migration Department | Passport/ID, photos, proof of purpose and means |
| Tax number | Tax For All portal | Passport/ID, address, contact details |
| Social insurance | Employer (ERGANI) or District Social Insurance Office | Passport/ID, residence document |
| Bank account | Your chosen bank | Passport, address, tax number, proof of income |
| GESY | GESY Beneficiary Portal / personal doctor | Residence document, ID details |
| Utilities | EAC and your local water authority | ID, rental contract or title deed |
What are the common problems?
- Long waits for appointments. Book residence appointments as soon as you arrive and keep proof of your booking.
- Name mismatches. Use your name exactly as it appears in your passport on every form; small differences can block GESY and bank checks.
- Missing certified signatures. Some offices want a rental contract with certified signatures. Ask your landlord early.
- Changing rules. Fees and document lists change. Check the official page before every appointment.
What to do next
Work through our interactive moving checklist to track each step. For the bigger picture, see our essential checklist for moving to Cyprus.
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Contains affiliate linksFrequently asked questions
What should I do first after moving to Cyprus?
Secure an address with a signed rental contract, then book your residence registration with the Migration Department. Most other registrations, from GESY to utilities, ask for proof of address and a residence document.
How long do EU citizens have to register in Cyprus?
EU citizens who plan to stay more than three months must apply for the MEU1 registration certificate (the 'yellow slip') within four months of entering Cyprus.
How do I get a tax number in Cyprus?
Create an account on the Tax Department's Tax For All portal and submit the registration request online. Paper registration with the old form T.D. 2001 is no longer accepted.
Can I register with GESY as soon as I arrive?
Only once you are eligible, for example as an employee, a family member of a beneficiary, a permanent resident or someone insured in another EU state (S1). A rental contract alone is not enough; your status must appear in official records.
Do UK citizens need a residence permit in Cyprus?
Yes. UK nationals who were not resident before the end of 2020 are treated as non-EU nationals and need a residence permit in a suitable category to live in Cyprus.
